...This is not a Camry. Maintenance is expensive, it guzzles gas, and it offers gobs of character. It is more fun to own and drive that any Toyota could ever hope to be.

Keep in mind that most Mercedes reliability problems are due to electrical issues (according to JD Powers and others). The multitude of electric and electronic features packed into recent German cars have made them somewhat less reliable than their simpler American and (some) Asian rivals. However, the Crossfire (especially the base car) does not have the same amount of features. It's an old German car with a new body. I assume it probably offers decent reliability, as Mercedes cars used to.

I would assume that the hardware (body, powertrain, suspension, etc) is as bullet proof as can be. Mercedes has a long history of getting that stuff right. But hey, even if you did have a hiccup, some cars are worth it, you know? I would much rather be inconvenienced by a car that I bought for fun, than say, a Kia Optima.